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22-Year-Old Singaporean Feels Lost Despite Earning S$4.5K: Is Adulting Really That Tough?

2025-01-13

Author: Mei

Introduction

SINGAPORE: A 22-year-old Singaporean woman recently took to the r/askSingapore forum to share feelings of confusion and uncertainty about her future, despite enjoying a comfortable lifestyle and a hefty monthly income of S$4,500. Her candid post sheds light on a common yet often overlooked sentiment that many young adults face today.

Financial Stability vs. Personal Satisfaction

The young woman acknowledged her privileges, as her parents cover most of her living expenses, including phone bills and education. However, she disclosed that even with financial stability, she often lives paycheck to paycheck due to her indulgent lifestyle, which includes frequent travel and daily rideshares. “I live quite comfortably; there’s really nothing to complain about. Yet sometimes, I feel like I’m merely existing rather than truly living,” she expressed.

Career Journey

Her career journey began while pursuing a private diploma, where she took a part-time job in healthcare with a friend. This led to her first full-time position, earning S$2,800. After a year of hard work, she transitioned to a managerial role at a new company, significantly bumping her salary to S$3,800. But the grind took its toll, leading her to resign and take a six-month break for her mental health.

Recently, she accepted a new position with the same responsibilities, offering her S$4,500 a month. Nevertheless, she confessed a troubling truth: she has no real passion for the healthcare industry. “I find myself working solely to sustain my lifestyle. I applied for healthcare roles because that's where my experience lies and it pays well,” she cautioned.

Educational Pursuits

The plot thickens with her educational pursuits. Currently enrolled in a part-time marketing program at the Singapore University of Social Sciences (SUSS), she chose this path based on her friends' recommendations, intrigued by the promise of good pay. However, she has come to terms with her lack of interest in marketing, leaving her feeling trapped in a course she feels doesn't reflect her true aspirations.

“I don’t want to waste my time on something I’m not passionate about, but I’m stuck in this marketing track because of my previous qualifications,” she lamented.

Comparison and Uncertainty

As she compared herself to friends who seem to have their futures perfectly mapped out—aspiring influencers and entrepreneurs—she couldn’t shake the feeling of being adrift in a sea of uncertainty. Many young adults resonate with this struggle, feeling the immense pressure of adult responsibilities, unsure of how to carve their own paths.

Forum Insights

In her post, she posed a poignant question: “Is this what adulting is like? I feel very ‘sian’ with my life. How did you know what you wanted to do? At what age did you figure it out? Should I just go with the flow?” Responses from fellow forum users varied widely. While some acknowledged her luck in landing a high-paying job at such a young age, others pointed out that her life might feel devoid of challenges due to her sheltered upbringing. Several encouraged her to take more risks, suggesting that paying for her own living expenses might help her find greater purpose and direction.

“Try taking charge of your finances. You might find more fulfillment when faced with genuine challenges,” advised one user. “Living independently could provide you with the growth opportunities you’re missing,” suggested another.

Broader Context

In a related story that surfaced in the same forum, another Singaporean job seeker deliberated whether to accept a job offer with a lower salary than his previous role, sparking conversations on job market dynamics and the stress many face in navigating career decisions.

Conclusion

As young adults grapple with mounting pressures, questions about the meaning of success occur more frequently. The Singaporean woman's experience is a stark reminder that financial security does not equate to personal satisfaction, and that the quest for passion and purpose is a journey shared by many in today's fast-paced society. Stay tuned for more eye-opening discussions on life after graduation in our ongoing coverage of Singapore’s evolving job market!